There are so many vacation-worthy cities in Florida that picking where to live or retire can be challenging. Nevertheless, if you’re thinking about it, we have numerous reasons to consider relocating to Tampa Bay Area.
The Tampa Bay area is the heart of government, business, scientific research, sports, health care, culture, and entertainment in West Central Florida, with 2.7 million people. The population of the Tampa Bay metro region, which includes Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, grew significantly in the past decade. Although statistics indicate Tampa Bay to be one of the best places to live in, in this article, we described both the pros and cons of the area compared to other Florida areas.
World’s Longest Continuous Sidewalk
Something that’s a natural part of what we talked in the paragraph before this one – sidewalks. There are endless recreational trails, top-notch cultural attractions and museums, beautiful nature preserves, wonderful local restaurants and breweries, fantastic coffee shops, numerous waterfront activities, and more in the Tampa Bay region. But, among so many treats, there is one that stands out. With a length of 4.5 miles, Bayshore Blvd in downtown Tampa is known as the world’s longest continuous walkway, which makes it undoubtedly better than other walkways in other Florida areas.
Entertainment options are numerous as you would expect. If you want to take a break from playing an online casino from your home, Tampa Bay sidewalks have some nice casinos along the way. Apart from that, you can expect bars and restaurants as well as night clubs that are integral part of the night life scene.
This beautiful recreational trail, popular among joggers, bikers, and walkers, is flanked by palm trees and offers panoramic views of the sea. What’s also cool about these sidewalks is that, since they’re stretch through the most prominent places, they’re usually on the course of local business, from high-end clothing shops to bars and restaurants.
Homeowners and Car Insurance
If you’re considering relocating to Tampa, you also need to add higher insurance prices to your budget. Let’s start with car insurance. Even if you have a perfect driving record, car insurance in Tampa is likely to be more expensive than in other cities.
When it comes to homeowner’s insurance, Florida’s average house insurance rate is higher than the national average. Additionally, you should investigate whether flood insurance is required or suggested for the home you’re contemplating, as this can add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the cost. Tampa’s rates are high relative to the rest of the state due to hurricane and tropical storm hazards and damage from sinkholes.
Getting Around the Area
You’ll need your car to move around, and if you prefer to walk or bike, you’ll need to be cautious. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay ranks last in transit availability compared to other areas. Unfortunately, being so car-obsessed comes at a high cost. Tampa Bay ranks as one of the deadliest metro areas. Also, bicyclists in Tampa Bay are at a higher risk than those in other parts of the country.
Florida’s Largest Port
The largest and most cargo-diverse port in Florida is Port Tampa Bay. It’s the Panama Canal’s closest full-service port. It is also one of the leading cruise ports in the United States. Four cruise lines homeport at Port Tampa Bay including Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. It also serves container ships and tank ships.
And of Course – Beaches!
Tampa Bay’s beaches have been rated as one of the best for their silky white beaches, spectacular sunsets, and the Gulf of Mexico’s warm, clean, and crystal blue waters. They have been rated as one of the best in Florida but also one of the best in the world. Here is the list of the most beautiful beaches in the Tampa Bay Area worth visiting.